LoudMax is the best limiter...here's why

[Laurend]

Limiting with a -30 dB threshold is an abnormal situation. Who cares which limiter performs the best in this case when obviously the correct answer isn't using a limiter?
One particular limiter behaves differently, on a particular track in such a situation. So what?

[HipBonanza]

My girlfriend lets rip at -30 but by god does it stink
wouldn't mind a limiter for that!

Originally Posted by Laurend

Limiting with a -30 dB threshold is an abnormal situation. Who cares which limiter performs the best in this case when obviously the correct answer isn't using a limiter?
One particular limiter behaves differently, on a particular track in such a situation. So what?

[sammytaters]

Here is a demo test of limiters: https://soundcloud.com/stealthgear/m...g-limiter-test

Similar results w/ 16db input gain, which I consider extreme. LoudMax or Sonnox Oxford Limiter are almost equal to each other. Since LoudMax is free, it should be recommended to most people that just need a boost. Apple's AUPeakLimiter is very good too. Ozone was average on my test but an excellent choice I'd still recommend too. Tough competition really.

Plugins that weren't acceptable for my tests: BrainWorx Limiter (not XL), A.O.M. Invisible Limiter - These had obvious distortion.

[Aktuator]

Brainworx's XL v2(KEY PART) is rather outstanding, did your experience use the first version?

I can share with you a relatively loud piece of material in which there is very little distortion that wasn't already present in the material.

Normally I'm fairly regularly in Pro-L as I don't own many software limiters, but during the demo period I had great success with XL v2 on two particular songs.

[sammytaters]

Originally Posted by Aktuator

Brainworx's XL v2(KEY PART) is rather outstanding, did your experience use the first version?

I'm seeing that the one I used says saturation on the product page...so no wonder I didn't like it. I guess I didn't understand. I should have used the XL. I edited my post a little.

Note: I found this chain to work. I only lose about 6db in dynamic range. Its a really hot signal. Maybe it crushes cymbals too much, but I'll find a workaround.

1. EQ (turn down treble a little, add bass)
2. A Mastering Compressor - Slow attack, fast release. 1.6 ratio (or whatever)
3. An Exciter or Saturation
4. Stereo Widener
5. Waves L3 UltraMaximizer <--- Well I didn't like this one at first, but now I'm seeing the light. Its beastly...as long as in step one I adjusted the EQ so the L3 wasn't hurting my ears.
6. Vintage Warmer or Tape Saturation to add final beef.

I think Loudmax is good if I'm being lazy. But I think L3 is even better if you start tweaking and use a lot of plugins simultaneously. Its pretty interesting to me that a plugin I didn't prefer by itself, worked better for me with other plugins. I guess its just whatever effect you need in the end. There are so many plugins out there its confusing.